Title:
The Western Skylark: a 3U CubeSat for next-generation tracking of migratory wildlife using the Motus and ICARUS telemetry systems (3U)
Agreement Number:
22CUBUWO16
Agreement Value:
$350,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 17, 2023 - Mar 31, 2027
Description:
Movement is fundamental to the lives of animals, and due to the seasonality at high latitudes a high proportion of Canada’s wildlife is migratory. Understanding the life cycles and threats to these animals requires detailed information about migratory routes and timing, as well as sources of mortality. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a ground-based network of receivers for tracking radio-tagged animals. ICARUS uses sophisticated Global Positioning System (GPS) and multisensory transmitters, but currently lacks a space-based platform to receive data from the transmitters. The Western Skylark CubeSat will provide space-based data collection for both Motus and ICARUS to give near real time capabilities to the data flow from these systems. This project will demonstrate the full potential of these two systems while collecting novel data on migratory songbirds, waterbirds, and shorebirds. A 3U CubeSat with both Motus and ICARUS transponders will act as a relay collecting data from remote Motus ground stations and retransmitting that data back to the ground station at Western University.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research
and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
London, Ontario, CA N6A 5B8
Reference Number:
003-2022-2023-Q4-00070
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The Proponent requested one or more additional non-financial assistance for the Project, such as Technical Guidance and Mentorship for the students, Integration and Launch Services, and Access to Facilities and Government-Furnished Equipment, that will contribute to the achievement of the Project’s objectives. The Proponent also requested an extension to the Project completion date.
Amendment Date
Apr 30, 2026
Recipient's Operating Name:
Western University
Recipient's Legal Name:
The University of Western Ontario
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.